Análisis de Anodyne 2: Back to dust

Welcome to this analysis of Anodyne 2, a game that left us speechless and who want a lot more. Brace yourself, because we’re going to dive into a sea of ​​gameplay and storytelling unprecedented.

As soon as we start the game it is available for our Xbox One and Xbox Series X consoles | Yes, the first thing we notice is that we are faced with an atypical game. There isn’t a big study behind it. The game is a personal bet of its 2 creators, Melos Han-Tani Yes Marina kittaka. Also known as Analgesic productions. In addition. You can play Anodyne 2 without having played the prequel, as the two titles are independent, although there are little nods to the story of the original. Knowing this, let’s get to work.

After a short prologue and a tutorial area, where we will learn the most basic mechanics of the game, we will arrive at El Centro. The nerve center of all this crazy story that we live in Anodyne 2. We put ourselves in the role of Nova

, a girl located in the peculiar and extravagant world of New Zilan who must discover her purpose in the world and defeat the force that threatens her. Dust, dust, that corrupts and threatens all the inhabitants of this world. With its tiny size, it penetrates and contaminates the body. Only our protagonist, with his power to reduce his size and reach the miniature, is able to to face.

Anodyne 2: Back to dust He also tells other parallel stories, which are of equal importance and depth. Many times a metaphor for our own world. The game is divided into both 3D and 2D mechanics and worlds, among which we travel change our size. So we have different mechanics and gameplay:

3d worlds

When it comes to the three-dimensional world, we meet the classical mechanics of movement 3D platform, almost in style Mario 64. However, there are many special features, such as the ability to use the X button to channel energy and make us tiny to enter the body of enemies or characters. It should also be noted the special ability of Nova to become a vehicle to move faster through the different worlds and scenarios:

With this combination of mechanics, we will be able to travel both through areas with many platforms and across large areas of the map without spoiling a thing. The game offers many hours of play, especially if we look for all the secrets and achievements available to us.

2D worlds

Even more iconic are the 2D levels reminiscent of old gameplay games. Game Boy or Nintendo DS, both graphically and in gameplay. The To fight against bosses, The challenges that must be solved in this two-dimensional plane, unlock the doors, defeat different viruses microscopic objects, absorbents and activation mechanisms.

This game is a real gem for the nostalgic who want a breath of fresh air in these console worlds retro how much we love them.

Everything is not graphic

Part of this analysis that I want to be brief on relates to graphics, because Anodyne 2 specifically points out that these are not important. The setting and the style Pixel art 2D levels is very successful and there is nothing to object. This makes the levels fun, challenging and appropriate, and the color scheme blends in perfectly with the gameplay.

In the 3D section, although the game uses the Unity engine, it does not exploit all the graphic potential, neither of the engine nor of our consoles. Instead, it mimics the low-poly 3D graphics that – again – we found on older desktop consoles.

. It’s a bet very risky, but it works well and gives the game a unique personality and character.

On the other hand, if we are talking about the sound section, yes, we must underline an excellent job. Months ago, we told you about adaptive music in Halo and other games like Minecraft. Well, in this case we are faced with the game that raises the music bar to the extreme. Iconic music at key moments? Anodyne 2 does he have. Adaptive music as you travel the wide world? It does. And it will delight your ears because it accompanies you on the adventure of It’s not okay. A good listener, a few words are enough.

Conclusions.

Anodyne 2: Return to Dust is a great little work that may have gone unnoticed. It is a unique adventure with a lot of experience; a deep and particular story, dark, but which also stands out among other titles that we could consider Indies. We strongly recommend that you play the title, as well as its predecessor.